A Chance To Shine

SOUTHEND musicians are being asked to use their talents to help the next generation of young performers get their own chance to shine.
The Song School, a Southend based Community Interest Company, is calling on singers, musicians and performers of all ages and abilities to take part in its Big Busk over the coming weekends – raising money to help local children and young people access music, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
And there’s strong support behind the summer campaign, with c2c contributing towards The Song School’s fundraising programme, while the school has named a target to raise a further £3,000 through its own fundraising activities.
Reaching the £3,000 target would fund 15 supported places on The Song School’s regular timetable for a full year.
The Big Busk is already under way – supporters don’t have to be a Song School member to take
part.
A statement from the school said: “If you can sing, play, perform or entertain, you’re invited to get involved.
“The school provides busking signage, collection buckets and QR codes for online donations, making it easy for performers to turn a few songs into support for young musicians.
“The Big Busk continues at weekends until September 7, with the next three weekends providing a big opportunity to get people out performing, The Song School is now calling on Southend’s musicians to step up.”
Louisa Strachan, director and founder of The Song School said: “Fundraising over the summer months is vital to ensure we are able to respond to the continually growing demand for our free spaces, especially as we go into our busiest intake period in the autumn term.
“The support from c2c helps to ensure we’re able to provide families of the young people we support, with certainty that they can be part of our community for a full year.
“We’re thrilled with c2c’s continued support. Building on our partnership year on year means we’re able to provide more children and young people with opportunities to learn, make and earn in music.”
The school’s statement added: “The campaign has already seen supporters take on a major challenge, with the 10-mile Estuary Walk from Leigh to East Beach raising £900 towards the £3,000 fundraising target.
“Now the baton has been passed to the musicians. And if you want to help, but don’t want to busk, you can get involved in other ways. Supporters can create their own fundraising challenge, from sponsored runs and walks to bake sales or something completely original.
“The money raised will help The Song School provide free and subsidised music sessions for young people from low-income households, support neurodivergent young musicians and maintain instruments and creative facilities.”
Rob Mullen, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer for GBR Anglia, said c2c was proud to support The Song School and its work in the local community.
He said: “The partnership between c2c and The Song School, fostered over many years now, is one we’re very proud of at c2c. We pride ourselves on being a railway that is deeply rooted in our communities and this partnership is another demonstration of c2c’s dedication to its local communities.”
He also encouraged local people to get behind the fundraising. Find out how to join the Big Busk, take on your own fundraising challenge or donate at thesongschool.co.uk/support-us
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